Trout leads All-Star voting, but Home Run Derby unlikely

Angels outfielder Mike Trout leads the American League in All-Star Game balloting. And while he seems to be a shoo-in for the starting lineup, he said he's unlikely to participate in the Home Run Derby. CHRIS CARLSON, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SEATTLE – Fans are showing they clearly want to see Mike Trout in the All-Star Game.

If they want to see him in the Home Run Derby, though, they may be out of luck.

On the day Major League Baseball released its first vote totals for the All-Star Game, showing that Trout is leading all American League players, he said he probably won’t compete in the Derby.

“People were talking about it (last year), but I don’t know if I would do it,” Trout said Tuesday. “I did it in A-Ball before. It didn’t turn out too well.”

Trout was referring to the fact he hit only two or three homers in a derby in the Midwest League in 2010, but that’s not the issue that concerns Manager Mike Scioscia.

Scioscia said he’s never been a proponent of his players in the Home Run Derby because they could alter their swing or get hurt.

“I would advise any of our guys not to do it, just for the wear and tear it takes on your swings,” Scioscia said. “I enjoy watching it. It’s great fan interest. But let the other guys in the league do it.”

Trout said Scioscia “voiced an opinion” when the topic came up last year. It turned out Trout was never even asked. One player designated as a captain in each league selects the players to participate in the Home Run Derby, which is held the day before the All-Star Game.

Trout entered Tuesday’s game 11th in the league with 10 homers.

Regardless of whether Trout is in the Home Run Derby, he seems like a lock to be selected for his third consecutive All-Star Game.

Trout had 764,007 votes, topping all players, in totals released Tuesday. Last year, Trout finished fourth in the American League.

“It feels good to get all the support from my fans,” Trout said. “It feels good to be up at the top. To be No. 1 is something special, for sure.”

Albert Pujols (second) and Howie Kendrick (fifth) were the only other Angels players listed among the leaders. Pitchers are not included in the fan voting.

LOTS OF LEFTIES

The Angels are in the midst of a stretch in which they will see left-handed pitchers in 13 of 24 games, a higher ratio than normal.

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